It's been years since I've been here at the Sub Committee, but wanted to come back and explore a possible new kit, which I'm sure many of you have discussed at length before.

My company Custom Replicas has been successful for years with our 66" movie Nautilus and feel it's time to expand our product line a bit. I'm here to ask for opinions on large scale kits, primary the H. L. Hunley submarine. Bob Martin and I have been debating this subject for some time now and feel it is a worthy historical sub that might be popular here with members, if offered in say 1/12 scale, as both static and R/C types.

I have seen many of the smaller kits and the beautiful 1/24 cutaway by Cottage Industries. Therefore, we would want to offer a finely detailed kit in a larger scale, so as not to directly compete. A larger scale to accommodate both details and room for W.T.C.s/etc. As one might expect, a fiberglass hull with zinc or white-metal, brass and/or machined exterior details, while using both metals and resins for any potential interior components, if we get to an interior version.

I'd like to invite any response and comments to our inquiry both here on the forum and at our e-mail address: customreplicas@ca.rr.com

Feel free to describe what you'd like to have included in a kit of this subject, as well as any other subjects that may be popular enough to deem production investment.

I think the suggestion of a DSRV is the best one to date. FX models did a large model a while back, but never appeared to go into production. It does pose some challenges in RC-ing such a beast with four thrusters to build in, but it's a most interesting craft.

However I will say something I've said before- make sure any suggestions are backed up with a good possibility of sale. A lot of people will wax lyrical about a favourite craft, but won't pony up for the kit if or when it's produced, and I can't imagine it's an easy market for any vendor at the moment.

Thanks for all the responses so far. I will look into the NR-1 and Mystic. The DSRV is not something I really want to put on the plate next as you are right in the complexity of the thrusters. Further ideas on this are welcome though.

Since a new Hunley kit is what we started with, and knowing that will cost more than 5K to master and mold, we could then speculate that the molds would be good for about 30 kits. To clear costs, and make a meager profit, a 1/12 scale kit (roughly 40" long minus the spar) would have to sell (trimmed and packaged) for about $395.00 plus shipping.

If we include an interior, the kit would go up at least another $150.00 (and include a display stand).

Given that this kit would range from $395.00 to $545.00, would it sell 30+ kits to justify production?

I agree with your analogy of any kit in this market is a tough sell, though we faced the same dilemma when we started offering the 66" Nautilus. However, over the long run it caught on, and with no advertising. That was 12 years ago.

Bob and I are now thinking once again about the long haul and with limited advertising to specific groups, primarily like this one. I do want to appeal to static builders as well or any group that may wish to purchase it.

It all comes down to if we can raise the funds to do it. Perhaps even Kickstarter.com

I think that in the particular case of a H.L. Hunley model, being able to draw upon at least two, distinct markets will be a big plus towards meeting your financial goals...especially if you are in a position to stretch out your payback period similar to how the Nautilus worked out.

Not sure what you are asking, "What happened to the Nautilus?". Not familiar with the Holland either, but perhaps I should go look at that as well. I am really not up on all the subs as this group is. Just finding them to be a fascinating addition to model making and historic subjects, which I believe is a untapped potentially rich market - without licenses. So please excuse my business greediness.

As to our 66" Nautilus, I will take any inquiries you may have directly at: customreplicas@ca.rr.com. It is too much to get into here.

I am delighted that the Hunley is a subject that the sub committee finds as a desirable, particularly at the scale proposed.

I am aware that it would probably take 2 to 3 years to just break even, but we would have a kit that potentially can last a very long time.